Making business accountable for taxes

A proposal at the Capitol would require corporations to tell the public what taxes they're paying, along with which one's they're not.

The Corporate Tax Accountability Act would require businesses to disclose their state tax liability, along with any credits or exemptions they are able to claim. State Senator Dave Hansen (D-Green Bay), the sponsor of the measure, says greater reporting will help citizens understand how the state's tax system impacts businesses.

Hansen says large companies have been able to avoid millions in state taxes, while the public is paying more. He wants to know why the burden is shifting onto the backs of the middle class, while corporations find more and more ways to avoid paying taxes.

Hansen hopes disclosing the information will lead to an open discussion about the fairness of Wisconsin's tax system. However, Senate Republican leader Scott Fitzgerald (R-Juneau) says the proposal is "hostile" towards Wisconsin employers. Fitzgerald says it could open the way for further tax increases.